Why he makes sense: Tuberville is a proven winner. Mississippi was under NCAA sanctions when he took over, and in 1997 he was named the Associated Press SEC coach of the year. Auburn was 13-0 in 2004 and he was the AP coach of the year. He was 85-40 in 10 years at Auburn and is 110-60 overall as a head coach.

Why he doesn't make sense: He has expressed interest in the Texas Tech job and may not be available to USF.

Tommy Bowden

Age: 55

Experience: Head coach at Clemson (1999-2008) and Tulane (1997-98)

Ties to Florida: Was an assistant under his father, Bobby, at Florida State from 1978-79 and 1981-82. Has recruited well in Florida while at Tulane and Clemson. Experience in a major conference.

Why he makes sense: His last name might help him in Florida. Bowden would likely recruit well and would bring an exciting offensive play book. The Bowden name also could help in fundraising, a major factor at USF.

Why he doesn't make sense: His last name might hurt him, given the football rivalries of the state. Also, he was fired during the 2008 season after Clemson started 3-3. Was knocked for not taking the Tigers to the top of the conference, which also was a criticism of Leavitt.

Skip Holtz

Age: 45

Experience: Head coach at East Carolina (2005-present); Connecticut (1994-98); assistant head coach at South Carolina (1999-2004)

Ties to Florida: Graduate assistant at Florida State from 1987-88

Why he makes sense: Holtz is a hot prospect. He has led the Pirates to four straight bowl appearances and has won 38 games at ECU in five years. Also, coaching is in his genes. He is the son of longtime coach Lou Holtz.

Why he doesn't make sense: He has a job. Holtz signed a six-year extension in 2008. He earned a base salary of $605,000 this season, and his total compensation package takes him well over $1 million.

State connections

Dan McCarney

Age: 56

Experience: Head coach at Iowa State (1995-2006); assistant head coach at USF (2007); Florida (2008-present); assistant coach at Iowa (1977-89) and Wisconsin (1990-94)

Ties to Florida: He has coached in the state since 2007, when he joined Leavitt's staff. He is currently in Gainesville on Urban Meyer's staff.

Why he makes sense: He has three years of recruiting this state under his belt. He knows the USF program well after spending the 2007 season in Tampa. He does have head coaching experience.

Why he doesn't make sense: In 1994 McCarney was accused of domestic abuse by his estranged wife, Brenda. That incident is sure to come up if he replaces Leavitt.

Ties to Florida: Magee played for the Bucs from 1985-88 and was on Leavitt's first staff in 1996. He earned his master's degree from USF in 1990.

Why he makes sense: He is a familiar name in Tampa due to his years with the Bucs and the Bulls. He has been mentored by Rich Rodriguez for nine years and is trusted with running the offense at a big-time school like Michigan.

Why he doesn't make sense: He has no head coaching experience. And if USF wants to make a clean break from the Leavitt era, Magee isn't the choice.

Ties to Florida: He was an assistant with the Tampa Bay Bandits of the old USFL in 1985, as well as his time at Florida and USF.

Why he makes sense: He is the Bulls' recruiting coordinator and held the same job at Florida. He knows the state better than anyone else on staff. He also has head coaching experience and was named USF's interim coach.

Why he doesn't make sense: He did not have much success as head coach at Duke.